Macclesfield suffered a surprise 19-17 defeat at the hands of Redruth via a late try at a sodden Priory Park.

The match was subject to a number of pitch inspections before being given the go ahead due to heavy rain in the local area, and the conditions certainly played a part in what was a tough physical encounter.

The Blues were without scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone who has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a fractured elbow suffered in the match against Coventry. In Mulchrone’s absence Tom Eaton switched to scrum-half and Ross Winney came in at number 10.

Redruth set the early pace in the game and their high tempo immediately put pressure on the Blues’ back line, looking to make the early breakthrough. Their persistence paid off seven minutes in when prop Peter Joyce carried the ball over to score the first try. Kicker Aaron Penberthy failed to convert from a tight angle and Redruth led 5-0.

The visitors’ strength is their forward play, and the wet conditions favoured their style, as much of the game was played in midfield and it was very much a case of who made the least errors.

The Blues had an early chance to reduce the deficit but Winney failed to convert the penalty chance.

As the half progressed Macclesfield began to find their rhythm and put some pressure on Redruth’s defence, though the heavy rain and sodden pitch made handling difficult and both sides were trading possession of the ball.

The Blues forwards were beginning to dominate the game and the away side were facing constant pressure. Macc made the breakthrough right on half time when Sam Moss finished an impressive drive to bring them level. Winney added the extras and his side had a 7-5 half-time lead.

Macclesfield were forced into a change at the break with full-back Matt O’Regan having to go off injured, Chris Townsend coming on for his first appearance of the season. The Blues looked far more dominant after the restart and they were looking to strike an early blow, but very much against the run of play Redruth drove the ball upfield and after much discussion from the officials Matt Giblow was awarded the try and Macc suddenly found themselves 12-7 down.

As the condition of the pitch and weather became even worse both teams were feeling the strain and errors began to creep in.

Redruth conceded a penalty and Winney’s boot brought Macc to within two points of the visitors.

Macclesfield sensed victory and were putting heavy pressure on Redruth’s defence. With great determination from the pack prop Tom Mantell scored the Blues’ second try of the game, Winney converting to give the home side a 17-12 lead.

With 10 minutes to go Townsend was yellow-carded for a technical foul and the Blues were forced to play the remainder of the game a man short.

The visitors took full advantage and Darren Jaques scored what proved to be the winning try, the victory confirmed by fly-half Penberthy, who sent the ball over the posts and Redruth claimed a vital 19-17 win.